"Unfortunately, Ms. Roberts' story is long on accusation and inference, but short on facts and logic. During my time as Auburn's head coach, I never authorize, instructed or directed anyone to change any player's grade or provide any type of illegal payment to any student-athlete.

"I am not aware of any alleged grade change or illegal payment by any member of my coaching staff, support staff or anyone…The inference that there was academic support staff that worked together with professors to change grades is absurd."

He added: "I am comforted knowing that the truth always prevails."

Florida coach Will Muschamp, a former Auburn assistant who allegedly gave former Tigers player Mike McNeil $400, said the report is absolutely false.

Players quoted in the story have said their statements were either taken out of context or all together wrong. Former players Darvin Adams, Mike Blanc and Antoine Carter were all quoted, alleging that players grades were changed before the 2010 season national title game so that the players could remain eligible; that players were offered money to stay in school instead of turning pro; and that players were given well about the NCAA maximums to entertain recruits.

"Please don't remix my words," Carter said on Twitter.

"Me, personally, I don't have direct knowledge of it," Blanc told AL.com. "You just hear stuff. I'm pretty sure other guys on the team that know more, like guys that were closer to Darvin and these other players I know. Darvin probably would have told those guys. I know Mike and Darvin were really cool. Maybe Darvin could have shared some information with Mike. But, me, personally, I don't know nothing factual that any guys got any money."

Blanc later on Twitter described the story as "outrageous," and said it "isn't true."

Roberts was a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and a columnist for the New York Times. She is an Auburn graduate.

In advance of several scheduled radio interviews Thursday, Roberts spoke with AL.com about her story, and defended multiple denials including those from people quoted in her original report.